Description:
Explore the serene and historical Kyoto Imperial Palace in our latest travel guide video. Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, this former imperial residence is a significant cultural landmark and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and traditional architecture of Japan. Join us as we walk you through the expansive gardens, magnificent structures, and share key insights into the palace’s past and its role in Japanese history.
📺️Chapters
0:00 – Kyoto Imperial Palace
1:12 – Location of the Kyoto Imperial Palace
2:20 – How to Get to the Kyoto Imperial Palace
4:27 – History of the Kyoto Imperial Palace
6:24 – Enjoying the Kyoto Imperial Palace
9:14 – How to Tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace
10:58 – Nearby Attractions
12:28 – Summary
🏰 What You’ll Discover:
Historical Significance: Learn about the palace’s role as the former imperial residence and its importance in Japan’s political history.
Architectural Splendor: Admire the traditional Japanese architecture and the well-preserved estate that offers a glimpse into the country’s regal past.
Peaceful Gardens: Stroll through the vast and beautiful gardens that provide a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
🌸 Tour Highlights:
Access and Location: Find out how to easily reach the Kyoto Imperial Palace via public transportation, with it being just a short subway ride away from Kyoto Station.
Less Crowded Experience: Enjoy a quieter visit compared to more crowded spots like Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji, making it a hidden gem in Kyoto.
Cultural Insights: Dive into the history behind the palace gates, including the famous Hamaguri-gomon, and learn about the historical events that took place at this significant site.
📹 Why Watch This Video?
Detailed Guide: Get practical tips on how to navigate the palace grounds and make the most of your visit.
Visual Journey: Experience the beauty of the palace through our detailed video coverage, highlighting the main attractions and less-known corners of the palace.
Expert Commentary: Listen to insights from local experts who bring the history of the Kyoto Imperial Palace to life.
⚓️Engage with Us:
– Comment Below: Have you ever visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace or any other imperial sites in Japan? Share your experiences or ask us questions in the comments!
– Like & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this video and want to see more travel guides like this, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for our channel.
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The Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former imperial residence of Japan, and until the capital was moved 150 years ago, it was the center of Japan. Most of it is now open to the public and has become a place for citizens to relax. The Kyoto Imperial Palace’s allure lies in its historical significance, the magnificence of its architectural style, and the beauty of its expansive gardens. If you appreciate traditional Japanese spots, this is an absolute must-visit destination. Additionally, it is recommended because it is less crowded than places like Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji, making it a hidden gem. We are Samurai Travel. We use videos and social media to introduce the captivating places and culture of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and many other locations, to everyone. In this presentation, we will further explain its charm with an introductory video, so please watch! The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a city park and historical site located in the center of Kyoto. The park is quite expansive, and there are several stations in its vicinity. In Kyoto, the train system is not very efficient for getting around the city, and most famous tourist spots require taking a bus or taxi. However, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is conveniently located within walking distance from a subway station. Moreover, you can reach it in just seven minutes on a direct subway ride from Kyoto Station, the terminal station. There is no other historical site that is so easy to access. Kyoto’s public transportation is often overcrowded, leading to what some call "tourism pollution," which is a problem for both domestic and international travelers. But, the subway tends to be relatively less crowded. Specifically, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is situated between Marutamachi Station and Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. You can get off at either station, but if you’re coming from Kyoto Station, it’s best to get off at Marutamachi Station. This time, I’ll explain how to access the Kyoto Imperial Palace from Kyoto Station. First, you need to take the subway. The subway platform is located on the north side of Kyoto Station, at the Karasuma Exit. Since the Shinkansen arrives on the south side, at the Hachijo Exit, if you are at the Hachijo Exit, you will need to walk through the connecting passage to the opposite side. For those who are directionally challenged, please be cautious. Well, currently, there are plenty of signs and guidance specifically for tourists, so if you follow those, you should be able to arrive at the destination safely. Once you arrive at the Karasuma Exit, use the stairs to descend underground, and then simply follow the signs to reach the ticket gates. It seems straightforward once you’re through the gates. Not as complex as Tokyo! Just make sure you board the train in the right direction to avoid any mishaps. When you reach Marutamachi Station, getting to the Kyoto Imperial Palace is quite simple. First, exit the station from the main exit. You’ll see the Kyoto Imperial Palace on your right. Since the palace is square-shaped with entrances on all sides, you can enter from any direction, but this time, let’s enter from the west gate. Go backwards from the station exit and turn right at the corner. Be careful, the sidewalk is narrow. During this shoot, I took my time walking here, and I could feel the disapproving stares from the elderly ladies behind me. After a short walk, you’ll come across a gate. Once you enter here, you’re already within the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Within the outer perimeter of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, there are nine gates. The northern gate from here is the most famous one, called Hamaguri-gomon. History enthusiasts in Japan would recognize its name as it was a site of conflict during past wars. The bullet scars from that time are still visible, making it a coveted spot for history buffs. But, its appearance is quite ordinary, so if you’re not interested, you might not need to go out of your way to see it. The place where the Emperor resided is called the "Kyoto Imperial Palace," while the entire grounds are referred to as the "Kyoto Imperial Garden." Within this compound, high-ranking nobles also lived, forming distinct areas. Some of the aristocrats’ residences still exist today, and some are accessible to visitors. Kyoto became the capital in 794, over 1200 years ago, but the Imperial Palace was relocated to its current location in 1331. From then until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869, the Emperor resided here for approximately 500 years. Explaining the historical political power structure of Japan is challenging, but essentially, periods where the Emperor and the Imperial Court held actual power were short-lived. From the 12th century onwards, real authority was mainly held by the military government, consisting of the Shogun and the Shogunate. While the Emperor and the Imperial Court were preserved, they lacked significant political influence. Indeed, in Japanese history textbooks, the Emperor is rarely mentioned during those periods. While Kyoto was technically the capital and served as a center of authority and culture, especially after the 17th century, Edo, where the Shogun resided, prospered significantly economically. For us Japanese, there’s a sense of elegance associated with places where the Emperor once resided… something like that. Nowadays, since no one lives there, it’s solemn yet also serves as a familiar place of relaxation for citizens. And because the Kyoto Imperial Palace is incredibly vast, you can enjoy expansive views. However, while it is a park, it is managed by the Imperial Household Agency. So, be careful, even touching the walls might attract the attention of the Imperial Guard and lead to a warning. The Kyoto Imperial Palace is so vast that it’s essential to narrow down the places you want to see; otherwise, it could take an enormous amount of time. A recommended route is to stroll along the solemn and serene main road, known as the Ohji, while heading to see the main buildings. This route is the minimum and shortest route, as the main buildings are the true essence of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and shouldn’t be missed. Of course, besides this route, there are plenty of other spots worth visiting, including over 10 must-see places such as the former residences of nobles. Especially noteworthy is the Sentō Imperial Palace, where although you can’t enter the buildings, it boasts a magnificent garden that’s a must-see for those interested. The garden of Sentō Imperial Palace must be especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season. Let’s return to the main route. If you continue northward along Oji, you’ll eventually reach an impressive gate. This is the Kenreimon, the main gate of the Imperial Palace. However, only the Emperor, Empress, and foreign dignitaries of state visit level are allowed to pass through here. Therefore, you’ll need to aim for another gate used for detours. If you’re confident that you’re of state visit level, by all means, consult with the Imperial Household Agency. The Seishomon gate on the west side serves as the entrance gate for visiting the main buildings. It’s open for anyone without requiring prior application procedures. The opening hours vary depending on the season. Also, please note that it’s closed on Mondays, and if Monday falls on a public holiday, the following day will be a regular closing day. It’s also closed during the New Year holidays and for any special events. It’s advisable to check the calendar on the official website for accurate information. By the way, Japan has quite a lot of public holidays and is among the top in OECD countries in terms of the number of holidays. Moreover, except for special holidays, they are often designated to fall on Mondays. Therefore, there are quite a few instances where Monday becomes a holiday. Hence, be aware that there are cases where Tuesday may also be a day off. Although it’s not directly related, during the Golden Week in May and the Obon period in August, which are national long holidays, tourist destinations become extremely crowded. So, seriously, it’s essential to be careful with your travel schedule during these times. While we’re at it, we’ve arrived at the Seishomon gate. You can enter the visiting area from here. There will be baggage checks upon entry. Since these are sacred buildings, let’s refrain from any misbehavior inside. You can’t enter with swords or shurikens. They are quite cautious about security. Once inside the Kyoto Imperial Palace, visitors typically follow a prescribed route to view the buildings. If you’re just taking a quick look around, it might take about 15 minutes. There are free guided tours in English and Chinese offered once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Additionally, there’s an audio guide app available, so it might be useful for those who want to explore thoroughly. The tour route includes various structures such as the Shodaifu’s Room, various gates including the splendid Kenreimon Gate, the Seiryoden, and the gardens, showcasing a diverse array of architectural styles. While many of the buildings are reconstructions, they all represent the pinnacle of Japan’s traditional culture, exuding the highest level of elegance. In particular, the Shishinden is the most prestigious building, where important imperial ceremonies took place. Even without explanation, its majestic atmosphere makes it stand out as something truly exceptional. The Shishinden houses the Takamikura, the Emperor’s throne, and has been the site for the enthronement ceremonies of successive Emperors. Truly, it stands as the heart within the heart of ancient Kyoto. Considering its historical significance and prestigious status, it might be expected to be more renowned, but its recognition, even among Japanese people, seems not particularly high, resulting in sparse crowds. The gardens are also incredibly beautiful, well worth a visit. While places like Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama are wonderful, they often come with significant crowds. For those who want to deeply immerse themselves in Japan’s history, this area comes highly recommended. When returning from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, it’s convenient to head towards Imadegawa Station, which is close to the viewing area. From there, you can easily catch the subway to go anywhere. Another famous sight not far from the Kyoto Imperial Palace is Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there’s a subway transfer, it’s only three stops away. It takes about 30 minutes on foot, but taking a taxi or using a rental bike could be faster. Like the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle is a historic structure. It was built by a shogun family and has deep ties to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It’s an ideal combination for tracing Japan’s history. Alternatively, you could also visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum, which is on the same subway line as the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The Kyoto International Manga Museum is Japan’s first comprehensive manga museum. It houses materials on manga from Japan and around the world, with a collection of approximately 300,000 items! It’s beloved by manga fans both domestically and internationally as an irresistible destination. It’s strange to think about a palace and a manga sanctuary being so close, but the contrast could make for an interesting combination. When it comes to Kyoto travel, there are often many historic buildings and scenic spots, but the Kyoto International Manga Museum adds a unique flavor to the sightseeing experience. Considering that the Kyoto Imperial Palace was the center and a sacred place in Japanese history for the longest period, it’s truly wonderful that it is now a relaxing spot for visitors. While many tourist spots in Kyoto are crowded and challenging to navigate, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a hidden gem with top-notch content, making it highly recommended. Well, it might not be immediately recognizable in photos since it’s not as famous, but if you can explain the story behind the palace, it would be pretty cool. Exactly. Be sure to impress your friends with photos of the historical bullet marks! I wouldn’t recommend that… In this channel, we will continue to introduce various unique places in Japan and share travel tips in the future. See you again! Take care! Doron! If you enjoyed this video, please leave a comment, give it a thumbs up, and subscribe to the channel!